Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigating Two Melbourne Police Officers

The Melbourne Police Department and Chief Steve Mimbs are releasing the following information regarding two Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigations:

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Melbourne Police Department and Chief Steve Mimbs are releasing the following information regarding two Florida Department of Law Enforcement Investigations:

In the first investigation, there has been an allegation of sexual assault leveled against a member of the Melbourne Police Department, Lt. Pete Mercaldo.

Once Lt. Mercaldo was identified as a suspect in the investigation, he was placed on paid administrative leave.

The investigation has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

In the second investigation, this week Melbourne Police supervisors became troubled with the actions of Officer Christopher Eisen during an arrest and a use of force situation. A review of the arrest reports and in-car audio led to our agency contacting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

FDLE immediately initiated a criminal investigation into Officer Eisen’s actions. Officer Eisen has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.

Any decisions concerning the status of these two officers is contingent on receiving the final reports from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and having a chance to completely review the findings. Both officers will remain on administrative leave until a final decision can be determined.

Due to the fact that these are ongoing criminal investigations we cannot go into any further detail at this time.

Steve Mimbs

“I am committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Melbourne Police Department. We absolutely will not tolerate these types of activities and will be thorough and relentless when allegations such as these arise,” said Chief Mimbs.

“We will not allow these issues to overshadow the great work done on a daily basis by the men and women of Melbourne Police Department.”

“The Melbourne Police Department will continue to be committed to having a transparent relationship with the community we serve,” said Mimbs